�Թ���

�Թ��� has emerged as the highest-ranked four-year school in Central and Southern Mississippi in Niche’s “2025 Best Colleges in Mississippi” list.

“I’m proud that decades of hard work by faculty, staff, trustees and alumni is recognized at the state and national levels. For 133 years, �Թ��� has educated students through a Christian world view. We find ways to serve the under-served, just as our namesake, Dr. William �Թ���, did 200 years ago,” said �Թ��� President Dr. Ben Burnett.

“People are taking notice of our enrollment growth, campus expansions, and new programs. But the �Թ��� family is not satisfied yet. We’re working toward an even bigger impact on our state and our country.”

�Թ��� was ranked No. 3 overall in Niche’s “Best Colleges in Mississippi” list. Only two schools, both in the northern part of the state, were ranked higher – the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State.

No. 1 in Mississippi

�Թ���’s report card also includes five No. 1 Mississippi rankings in these specific areas: Top Private University, Best Small College, Best Christian College, Best College for Education and Safest College Campus.

Steve Rosser is �Թ���’s director of public safety.

“Over the past year, William �Թ��� has strengthened its relationships with emergency service providers from the city of Hattiesburg and Forrest County,” Rosser said.

“New safety features include more security cameras on campus and along its perimeter, upgraded LED lighting outside, new sidewalks, two new lighted parking lots with fencing and security, and enhancements to the Emergency Alerts notification system.”

National rankings

At the national level, �Թ��� paired its “No. 1 in Mississippi” ranking as Best College for Education with a high mark at the national level – No. 11 in the same category out of 957 schools offering education degrees.

“Our mission, every day, is to prepare caring, confident and reflective educators. We work to ensure every classroom, every school, has effective teachers trained in a Christian environment – because their students are an investment in the future. In that, we live William �Թ���’s motto: Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God,” said Dr. Teresa Poole, dean of the �Թ��� School of Education.

Finally, William �Թ��� cracked the Top 10 nationally in the Best Christian College category – mirroring another No. 1 Mississippi ranking.

Founded in 2002, Niche uses data from the U.S. Department of Education to rank education providers from individual K-12 schools and school districts to four-year colleges and universities. Included in Niche’s analysis are factors like academic strength, professors, value for cost, campus life, athletics, diversity, student life, dorms, dining and location. For more information, visit www.Niche.com.